Physical Geography
GEOG-2204(3) HUMAN IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT (Le3) This course studies the causes, effects, and controls of detrimental change to the natural environment resulting from human activity. Emphasis will be given to issues pertaining to the alteration of ecosystems and the various types of air, water, and soil pollution.
GEOG-2207(3) CLIMATOLOGY (Le3,La2) This course examines climatological processes, at all scales (e.g., micro to macro), to arrive at an understanding of how and why climates vary spatially and temporally. It surveys the characteristics of the global climate system, but pays particular attention to the Northern Hemisphere and North America. Laboratory exercises involve the analysis and presentation of climatological data. GEOG-2207L (lab) must be taken concurrently.
Prerequisites: GEOG-1201(3).
GEOG-2210(3) METEOROLOGY (Le3,La2) This course surveys the causes and characteristics of weather. Fundamental thermodynamics and hydrodynamic principles of atmospheric physics will be reviewed. Common and severe/unusual weather phenomena will be explained, as will be the processes involved in the preparation of weather forecasts. GEOG-2210L (lab) must be taken concurrently.
Prerequisites: GEOG-1201(3) or permission of instructor. GEOG-2210L (lab) must be taken concurrently.
GEOG-2212(3) NATURAL HAZARDS(Le3,) This course examines the causes and characteristics of natural hazards. Emphasis is placed on the assessment of risk, the choice of adjustments, and differences between situations in developed and developing countries. Discussions will cover hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, and blizzards, as time permits.
Prerequisites: GEOG-1201(3) or GEOG-1202(3) or permission of instructor.
GEOG-2213(3) INTRODUCTORY SOIL SCIENCE (Le3,La2) This course provides an introduction to pedology, the study of soils as physical entities in their own right. A review of the history of soil science is followed by a detailed introduction to soil forming factors and soil genesis. A brief review of the US Soil Taxonomy classification system then introduces a detailed review of the Canadian Soil Classification System, and the geographic distribution of soil types. This is followed by a review of the physical and chemical properties of soils, soil organisms and soil organic matter. The course concludes with an introduction to edaphology, the study of soils from the point of view of their plant cover. Laboratory sessions deal with the physical and chemical properties of soils using soil samples collected on one or more field trips, and with soil classification. GEOG-2213L (lab) must be taken concurrently.
Prerequisites: GEOG-1201(3) and GEOG-1202(3) or permission of instructor.
Restrictions: Students may not receive credit for both GEOG-2213(3) and the former GEOG-2203(6).
GEOG-2214(3) SOIL-VEGETATION SYSTEMS (Le3,La2) A review of edaphology, the study of soils from the point of view of their plant cover, is followed by an examination of soils as nutrient delivery systems to both natural cover and agroecosystems. Emphasis is placed on macro- and micronutrient supply, the use of fertilizers and organic residues, the role of organic farming, and water supply, drainage and erosion. This is followed by a discussion of the basic ecological/physiological requirements of plants important in understanding vegetation formations and ecoclimatic regions. The course concludes with a major discussion of Canada's ecoclimatic regions and the relationships between their vegetation covers, soil types and climates. Laboratory work includes the determination of certain soil nutrient contents, and the role of soil organic matter, plant residues and plant cover in limiting erosion, and the ecoclimatic aspects of vegetation formation and distribution. GEOG-2214L (lab) must be taken concurrently.
Prerequisites: GEOG-2213(3)
Restrictions: Students may not receive credit for both GEOG-2214(3) and the former GEOG-2203(6).
GEOG-2215(3) MINERALOGY AND PETROLOGY (Le3,La2) Students are introduced to the chemical and physical properties of the common minerals and rocks. Emphasis is placed on the origin, composition and classification of the common minerals and rock types. Weekly laboratories provide the student with the skills necessary for routine identification of minerals and rocks in hand samples. Students are also introduced to the fundamentals of optical mineralogy, which include the practice of study and identification of minerals using the polarizing microscope and rock thin sections. An optional field trip highlighting local geological features serves as an introduction to field recognition and classification of minerals and rocks and their associated provenance. GEOG-2215L (lab) must be taken concurrently.
Prerequisites: GEOG-1202(3) or permission of instructor
Restrictions: Students may not receive credit for both GEOG-2215(3) and the former GEOG-2202(6).
GEOG-2216(3) PHYSICAL GEOLOGY (Le3,La2) This course surveys the elements of stratigraphy, structural geology, earthquakes, historical geology, and volcanism within the unifying concept of plate tectonics. Labs demonstrate the methods of determining the characteristics of major geological structures as they typically appear on maps and air photos. GEOG-2216L (lab) must be taken concurrently.
Prerequisites: GEOG-2215(3) or permission of instructor
GEOG-2218(3) FLUVIAL AND HILLSLOPE PROCESSES (Le3,La2) This course examines geomorphic processes operating in rivers and on slopes. Among the topics discussed are the factors which influence the stability and form of slopes, the characteristics of watersheds and stream networks, the factors which govern the forms, patterns adjustments and long profiles of river channels, the transport of sediment in fluvial systems, the depositional features produced by streams, and the long-term evolution of entire landscapes. Labs emphasize both analytic methods and the interpretation of maps and air photos. GEOG-2218L (lab) must be taken concurrently.
Prerequisite: GEOG-1202(3)
Restrictions: Students may not receive credit for both GEOG-2218(3) and the former GEOG-2201(6).
GEOG-2219(3) GLACIAL AND PERIGLACIAL PROCESSES (Le3,La2) This course examines the geomorphic processes operating in glacial and periglacial environments. Topics discussed include the basic concepts of physical glaciology, glacial erosion and sedimentation, Quaternary geology and Pleistocene chronology, the methods used to intepret and reconstruct glacial and interglacial successions, the causes of global glaciation, periglacial processes and landforms, and the geomorphic significance of sea ice. Analytical and data acquisition techniques are emphasized in the labs. GEOG-2219L (lab) must be taken concurrently.
Prerequisite: GEOG-1202(3) or permission of instructor
Restrictions: Students may not receive credit for GEOG-2218(3) and the former GEOG-2201(6) and GEOG-2211(3).
GEOG-3204(3) CLIMATE CHANGE AND VARIABILITY (Le3,) The causes and characteristics of regional and global climate change and variability will be examined, as will be the methods of reconstructing climate histories. Emphasis will be placed on the North American experience. Topics will include atmosphere teleconnections (e.g., El Niño and La Niña), global warming, and climate forecasting.
Prerequisites: GEOG-2207(3) or permission of instructor.
GEOG-3210(3) HYDROLOGY (Le3,) This course examines all major components (precipitation, evaporation, streamflow, groundwater) of the hydrologic cycle with the most attention being given to surface hydrology. The emphasis throughout the course will be placed upon the methods by which each component may be measured or estimated. Additional topics to be covered include the causes and consequences of floods, flood frequency, analysis, estimation of peak streamflows, snow hydrology, sediment transport, water balance methods, and urban hydrology. Weekly assignments will provide experience in the practical aspects of data treatment, measurement techniques, and methods of prediction. This course will be offered in alternate years. GEOG-3210L (lab) must be taken concurrently.
Prerequisites: GEOG-1201(3) and GEOG-1202(3), or permission of instructor.
Restrictions: Students may not receive credit for both GEOG-3210(3) and the former GEOG-4221(3).
GEOG-3211(3) KARST & COASTAL GEOMORPHOLOGY (Le3) Nearly a third of Manitoba is made up of rocks highly susceptible to chemical solution, and surficial and subterranean karstification is an important aspect of landscape development in the province. Canada possesses the longest coastline in the world; Manitoba is the only prairie province with a sea coast; and Manitoba's lacustrine shorelines show many examples of the same features seen in marine environments. This course examines the distinct processess and landscapes in regions of carbonate rocks and evaporites, and in the coastal zone. Practical laboratory work and field investigations will be integral parts of this course. GEOG-3211L (lab) must be taken concurrently.
Prerequisites: GEOG-2218(3) and GEOG-2219(3).
GEOG-3215(3) BIOGEOGRAPHY (Le3,La2) This course first addresses the history of biogeography and the contemporary views on both species diversity and biodiversity. This is followed by an examination of the role of plate tectonics in helping account for contemporary floral and faunal realms, a review of MacArthur and Wilson's "equilibrium theory of island biogeography", and a consideration of how species colonize isolated locations such as islands. Anthropogenic alterations of natural ecosystems are then reviewed in terms of nutrient cycling disruptions, and the course concludes with an examination of both natural and human induced vegetation cover changes during the Holocene Epoch.
Prerequisites or Concurrent: GEOG-2213(3) and GEOG-2214(3).
GEOG-3216(3) ARCTIC ENVIRONMENTS (Le3) The Arctic comprises about one-third of Canada but most 'southern' Canadians have little more than a passing knowledge of its character. This course is designed to improve our understanding of the physical environment, ecology, history, people, economy, and political development of a region which becomes less remote from the affairs of the nation each year.
Prerequisites: GEOG-1201(3) and GEOG-1202(3)
GEOG-3218(3) GLOBAL BIOGEOCHEMICAL CYCLES (Le3) This course examines global cycles of water and major elements, including carbon, nitrogen, phospherous, and sulfur as expressed in atmospheric, terrestrial, ocean and freshwater environments. This course covers topics such as interactions between cycles and the Earth's climate: interactions between global and local processes: and impacts of human pressures such as land use change and pollution. These topics are explored using current and scientific literature, lectures, group discussions and class participation.
Experimental Course: This course is offered on a trial basis to gauge interest in the topic. Students who successfully complete this curse receive credit as indicated.
Prerequisites: GEOG-1201(3) and GEOG-1202(3) or permission of the Instructor.
GEOG-3219(3) QUATERNARY ENVIRONMENTS (Le3) The Quaternary is a period of dramatic climatic changes. This course examines the consequences of Quaternary climatic fluctuations on the physical environment. Consideration will be given to some of the important evidence and techniques used to reconstruct Quaternary environments and chronology.
Prerequisite: Any second year physical geography course, or permission of instructor.
GEOG-4203(3) TOPICS IN CLIMATOLGY (S3) This seminar course requires students to complete climate-related research projects, either individually or as a group. Research topics will vary to suit the interests of both the Instructor and the students.
Prerequisites: GEOG-2207(3), or the former GEOG-2205(6), or the former GEOG-2206(3), or permission of the instructor.
Restrictions: Honours form required.
GEOG-4212(3) TOPICS IN EARTH SCIENCES (S3) The course examines current and historically significant concepts in fluvial and glacial geomorphology, geology, and related earth sciences, particularily those which produced lasting shifts in the way earth science phenomena are interpreted. Among the broad subject areas which are discussed are concepts in landscape evolution, the characteristics, patterns and metamorphosis of river channels, glacial spillways on the Prairies, catastrophic drainage of ice sheets, patterns of glacial erosion, geomorphic thresholds, plate tectonics theory, and asteroid impact and the Geologic Time Scale.
Prerequisites: 6 credit hours from GEOG-2215(3), GEOG-2216(3), GEOG-2218(3), GEOG-2219(3), or the former GEOG-2201(6) or the former GEOG-2202)6).
Restrictions: Honours form required.
GEOG-4215(3) PROJECTS IN EARTH SCIENCE (S3) This course discusses state-of-the-art geomatics techniques that can be apllied to understanding and monitoring the Earth's surface environment, as well as other planetary surfaces. These include techniques for monitoring water quality, vegetation health, greenhouse gasses, and planetary surface mapping. Lectures are supplemented by individual research projects that apply geomatics concepts to particular aspects of terrestrial and planteary monitoring.
Prerequisites: GEOG-1201(3) and GEOG-1202(3); or GEOG-2215(3) or GEOG-2316(3) or GEOG-3319(3).
Restrictions: Honours form required.
GEOG-4219(3) PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY SEMINAR (S3) This course integrates aspects of physical geography and examines contemporary concepts and issues in earth science, atmospheric science, and biogeography. Research topics vary to suit the interests of the students and the expertise of the instructor.
Experimental Course: This course is offered on a trial basis to gauge interest in the topic. Students who successfully complete this curse receive credit as indicated.
Prerequisites: 6 credit hours in Physical Geography at or above the 2000 level.
GEOG-4231(3) TOPICS IN BIOGEOGRAPHY (S3) This course provides a synthesis of the geographical aspects in the development and concepts within biogeography and shows how descriptions or analysis of the delicate balances within the biosphere can be approached through the use of ecological principles. Particular attention will be given to inadvertent modification of the biosphere. (This course alternates with GEOG-4232(3).
Prerequisites: 6 credit hours from GEOG-2215(3), or GEOG-2216(3) GEOG-2218(3), or GEOG-2219(3) or the former GEOG-2201 or the former GEOG-
2202.
GEOG-4232(3) CONSERVATION (S3) Humans have affected, and are still affecting adversely the natural-biological resources such as water, soils, biota, and natural ecosystems. This seminar will examine such topics as sustainable development, biological diversity, soil erosion, agroforestry, forestry, and ecosystem destruction, in order to better understand both the problems and potential solutons. Public-government attitudes towards conservation of our biological resources also will be examined. (This course alternates with GEOG-4231(3).
Prerequisites: GEOG-3215(3), or GEOG-2213(3) and GEOG-2214(3) and permission of the instructor, or the former GEOG-2203(6) and the permission of the instructor.
GEOG-4702(3) DIRECTED READINGS IN PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY (P) This course exposes students to contemporary and topical issues of physical geography through authoritative readings compiled by the instructor. The student is required to produce a short dissertation.
Prerequisite: Permission of the Department Chair.
GEOG-4801(3) GEOGRAPHY FIELD SEMINAR (P) This course deals with the practical methodologies and problems in field research. Students will be introduced to the necessary skills required for the acquisition, analyses, and presentation of primary field data. In addition to oral and written presentations of their research, students are required to participate in an intensive 10 day field camp at an off-campus venue prior to the start of Fall Term lectures. Students should consult with the Chair of the Geography Department regarding the availability of this course and the location of the field camp.
Prerequisites: GEOG-3330(3) and permission of the instructor.
Restrictions: Honours Form Required.
GEOG-4901(6) HONOURS GEOGRAPHY THESIS (P) The Honours thesis provides the student with the opportunity to design and complete an original research project on a subject of interest and relevant to the discipline. In addition to completing the project, students in this course are expected to participate in a series of meetings throughout the academic year and make an oral presentation of the results of their research in April.
Prerequisites: GEOG-3330(3), 36 credit hours in Geography, Geography GPA of 3.0, and permission of the Department Chair.
Restrictions: Honours Form Required.